Adapter with Moisture Trap Assembly for Respiratory Circuit

Abstract

Nebulizer systems, adapters, methods, and apparatuses are described for a nebulizer adapter that includes a body, an inlet for aerosolized respiratory medications and/or medical marijuana and/or other pharmaceuticals, a breathing gas inlet tube and outlet tube, a barrier or body, and a drain lumen port that passes from the bottom of the barrier or body of the apparatus to the exterior into a port drain. The port drain would be in fluid communication with a receptacle removably attached to the annular lid that is attached to the bottom of the adapter body for collecting condensed moisture, wherein the receptacle comprise an actuator member configured to actuate the airtight seal of the annular lid upon attachment. The adapter includes a sensory system and temperature regulating system that continuously detects and regulates the temperature within an adapter to minimize condensates from forming and interfering with patient care. A computation device also stores individual patient outcomes and corresponding sensory information and accesses stored aggregate individual patient outcomes and corresponding sensory information from other sensory systems, wherein a machine learning algorithm utilizing quantum computing compares current individual patient sensory information, stored aggregate patient outcomes, and corresponding sensory information from other sensory systems to automatically predict statistical likelihoods of patient outcomes and automatically generate possible treatments and suggested diagnosis, wherein said display screen can access and display said statistical likelihoods of similar patient outcomes and automatically generated possible treatments and suggested diagnosis. An optional drainage system suctions condensate into a drainage port using mechanical energy produced by the internal force of a spring. There is a display screen where hospital workers and telemetry units can access the sensory information, alert notifications to hospital personnel, and manually override if necessary.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: an adapter, a sensory system, a temperature regulating system, and a computational device, wherein said sensory system sends a signal or plurality of signals to said computational device, wherein said computational device processes said signal or plurality of signals with a machine learning algorithm using quantum computing to calculate an optimal temperature, and automatically sends a secondary signal to said temperature regulating system, wherein said temperature regulating system regulates the temperature within said adapter to achieve said optimal temperature that may or may not be within the temperature range prior to reaching the dew point.

2. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising: an insulating material located between an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein said adapter is able to continue to maintain temperature in the event of a blackout or system failure.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said temperature regulating system employs electrical heating or cooling or a heat generating film and can be manually or automatically turned on or off.

4. The sensory system of claim 1, wherein a combination of one or more sensors located inside the adapter, outside the adapter, or both, sense a combination of one or more conditions including temperature, humidity, patient breathing rate, patient saturation, CO2 trends, oxygen levels, and pressure inside the adapter, outside the adapter, or both, and can use frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum to allow for wireless communication with said computational device to store sensory information and access collected sensory information from other sensory systems communicating with said computation device. This may include a sensor distal or proximal to the patient's face that communicates HFT pressure and/or patients' PEEP and may measure amount of medication being delivered to the patient.

5. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising a device to collect patient input scores and which can wirelessly communicate information including patient input scores to said computational device, wherein said computational device stores said information.

6. The computational device of claim 1, further comprising: a machine learning algorithm that receives said signals generated by said sensory system, patient input scores, and aggregate data from other sensory systems communicating with said computational device to calculate using quantum computing a temperature that may maintain the temperature range prior to the dew point wherein condensation will not form while maximizing patient comfort, wherein said computational device subsequently communicates wirelessly with said temperature regulating system to regulate the temperature within the adapter to achieve said temperature.

7. The computational device of claim 1, further comprising: a display screen, wherein said computational device is able to send and receive signals to and from said sensory system, temperature regulating system, and adapter through a wired or wireless connection, and wherein said display screen can access and display the information stored in the computational device.

8. The computational device of claim 1, wherein said computational device can use frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum to allow for wireless communication with a plurality of other devices.

9. The computational device of claim 1, wherein users can manually adjust the target temperature, wherein said computational device communicates said target temperature to said temperature regulating system, wherein said temperature regulating system regulates the temperature within the adapter to achieve said target temperature.

10. The computational device of claim 1, wherein said computational device stores individual patient outcomes and corresponding sensory information and accesses stored aggregate individual patient outcomes and corresponding sensory information from other sensory systems, wherein a machine learning algorithm utilizing quantum computing compares current individual patient sensory information, stored aggregate patient outcomes, and corresponding sensory information from other sensory systems to automatically predict statistical likelihoods of patient outcomes and automatically generate possible treatments, wherein said display screen can access and display said statistical likelihoods of similar patient outcomes and automatically generated possible treatments and suggested diagnosis.

11. The computational device of claim 1, wherein said display screen has the ability to communicate a warning when said statistical likelihoods of similar patient outcomes reach a certain threshold.

12. The computational device of claim 1, wherein users can communicate wirelessly with said computational device with tissue sensors, wireless brain implants, or both to send information, receive information, and manually adjust settings in the event users cannot physically send information, receive information, and manually adjust settings with said computational device.

13. A method for automatically minimizing condensation within an adapter, anticipating patient outcomes, and generating possible treatments and suggested diagnosis comprising: collecting patient data through sensory systems and informational databases; using a machine learning system with quantum computing to calculate an optimal temperature that minimizes condensate while maximizing patient comfort; communicating with a temperature regulating system to adjust the temperature within said adapters to achieve said optimal temperature; utilizing a computational device that stores individual patient outcomes and corresponding sensory information and accesses stored aggregate individual patient outcomes and corresponding sensory information from other sensory systems, wherein a machine learning algorithm utilizing quantum computing compares current individual patient sensory information, stored aggregate patient outcomes, and corresponding sensory information from other sensory systems to automatically predict statistical likelihoods of patient outcomes and automatically generate possible treatments and suggested diagnosis, wherein said display screen can access and display said statistical likelihoods of similar patient outcomes and automatically generated possible treatments and suggested diagnosis.

14. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising: an attachable drainage system coupled to the insulated mixing chamber.

15. The attachable drainage system of claim 14, comprising: an inside, middle, and outer layer, the inside and outer layers further comprising cupped open systems and concentric holes, whereby said cupped open systems create a closed, airtight environment, whereby said concentric holes allow airflow out of the system; and a spring system, whereby said spring system connects the inside, middle, and outer layers together.

16. The attachable drainage system of claim 14, wherein air is released through compression or extension and force from said spring system to create a vacuum chamber and is paired in conjunction to the rhythm of the perspiration of a lumen.

17. The attachable drainage system of claim 14, wherein an array of hygroscopic materials absorb moisture.

18. The attachable drainage system of claim 14, wherein a movable or stationary seal is able to be activated to prevent the flow of air into said attachable drainage system.

19. The attachable drainage system of claim 14, further comprising a computational device, wherein signals generated from said sensory system are sent and received from said sensory system to and from said computational device.

20. The computational device of claim 19, further comprising a machine learning algorithm generated from real-time data received from said sensory system that immediately predicts the most efficient electrical signal to adjust the mechanical energy depending on a combination of one or more conditions inside said adapter, outside said adapter, or both including temperature, humidity, patient breathing rate, patient saturation, CO2 trends, oxygen levels, hydrostatic pressure, and light refraction. This may include a sensor distal or proximal to the patient's face that communicates HFT pressure and/or patients' PEEP and may measure amount of medication being delivered to the patient.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] A sample embodiment of the disclosure is set forth in the following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are fully incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various examples, methods, and other example embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a first side elevation view of an adapter for a nebulizer having a drainage receptacle in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the adapter.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-section view of the adapter taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the adapter taken along line 404 in

[0024] FIG. 4.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the adapter connected to breathing airline circuitry and a nebulizer depicting fluid condensate collecting into a receptacle.

[0026] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of the adapter with a sensory system, and a temperature regulating system.

[0027] FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the adapter with a temperature regulating system.

[0028] FIG. 8 depicts a diagram of a possible orientation of the adapter, sensory system, temperature regulating system, computational device, and display screen.

[0029] FIG. 9 depicts the side view of the attachable drainage system.

[0030] FIG. 10 describes the steps of the method of determining likelihood of patient scenarios and automatically generating possible treatments.

[0031] Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Initially, the Inventors/Applicant note that the present disclosure is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/918,729 (the '729 Application) filed on Mar. 12, 2018, and continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/243,575 (the '575 Application) filed on Aug. 22, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/208,718 (the '718 Application) filed on July Aug. 23, 2015, and the present disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/471,360 (the '360 Application) filed on Mar. 13, 2017, the entirety of each is fully incorporated herein as if fully re-written. The present disclosure touches upon additional subject matter to the aforementioned '729 Application, '575 Application, '718 Application, and '360 Application, namely, adapters for airline circuitry that connect with a nebulizer and have a drainage port to allow fluids to drain from the mixing chamber. Since this is a continuation-in-part application of the '729 Application, and continuation-in-part application of the '575 Application, and some similar structural nomenclature is used herein when referencing some portions of the adapter. However, there may be some instances where structural nomenclature differs between similar elements and there may be other instances where nomenclature is similar between distinct elements relative to this application and the '729 Application, the '575 Application, '718 Application, and the '360 Application. The terms used in this disclosure apply to this disclosure and may not necessarily apply to other applications or issued patents in this family. Further in this regard, terms used in the specification(s) of the '729 Application, the '575 Application, '718 Application, and the '360 Application may or may not necessarily apply to this disclosure.

[0033] An adapter, which may also be referred to herein or in other related applications as a flow connecter unit, is shown generally throughout the figures at 10. The adapter 10 is configured to define a moisture trap assembly 12 (FIG. 5) when a receptacle 14 is attached to the adapter 10. As depicted in FIG. 1, the adapter 10 includes a first end 16 opposite a second end 18 defining a longitudinal direction therebetween, a top 20 opposite a bottom 22 defining a vertical direction therebetween, and a first side 24 (FIG. 2) opposite a second side 26 (FIG. 2) defining a transverse direction therebetween.

[0034] Adapter 10 includes a body 28 that may be formed from a plurality of components connected together or may be integrally formed as one molded piece of material. In one particular embodiment, body 28 is fabricated from polymers that are sufficiently strong yet also light-weight and may include antimicrobial properties. For example, the adapter may be molded in as a single piece mold such that the body is substantially a unibody, monolithic member formed from a uniform material, and/or the adapter may be molded into multiple pieces such that the body connects together to function as a whole unit.

[0035] The body 28 of adapter 10 defines a first inlet 30, a second inlet 32, an outlet 34, and a drainage port 36 (FIG. 4). The body 28 is a substantially cylindrical member extending longitudinally from the first end 16 towards the second end 18 and is centered about a longitudinal axis 38 (FIG. 4). The generally cylindrical body 28 may include a cylindrical wall 40 extending between the first inlet 30 and the outlet 34 centered about the longitudinal axis 38. The cylindrical wall 40 of the body 28 may include a convex outer surface 42 opposite a concave inner surface 44. The length of the cylindrical body may be on the order of a few inches. In one particular embodiment, the cylindrical wall is in a range from about one inch to about four inches. Further the length of the cylindrical sidewall 40 is oriented along the longitudinal axis has a larger dimension than the diameter of the cylindrical sidewall 40 which is oriented in the vertical direction. In some instances, the length of the cylindrical sidewall 40 is at least twice that of the diameter of the cylindrical sidewall 40.

[0036] The body 28 has substantially uniform in thickness between the outer surface 42 and the inner surface 44. In one particular embodiment, the body 28 is solid and not hollow between the outer surface 42 and the inner surface 44. Stated otherwise, the body 28 does not form a lumen or other vacuum or space in which fluids or gases may flow between the inner surface 44 and the outer surface 42 in a circumferential manner around either the longitudinal axis 38 or the central vertical axis 68 (FIG. 4).

[0037] The body 28 further includes a first tapered collar 46 connected with the cylindrical sidewall 40. The tapered collar 46 tapers radially inward towards the longitudinal axis 38 and is connected with a cylindrical extension 48 associated with the first end 16 of the adapter 10 and defines the first inlet 30. The cylindrical extension 8 includes an inner surface 50 that defines a lumen or passageway 52 in open communication with an opening 54 for the first inlet 30. The dimensions of the first inlet 30 and outlet 34 are sized to snugly fit with tubing of a respiratory circuit from a HFO apparatus or other breathing apparatus and output of a cannula and/or mask or other gas delivery system, respectively. The cylindrical extension has an outer diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical sidewall 40. The cylindrical extension has an inner diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the cylindrical sidewall 40.

[0038] Adjacent the second end 18, the body 28 further includes a second tapered collar 56 that tapers downwardly towards the longitudinal axis 38 to a second cylindrical extension 58 associated with the second end 18 and defining the outlet 34. Second tapered collar 56 tapers at an angle steeper than tapered collar 46 relative to the longitudinal axis 38. In one particular embodiment, the angle in which the tapered collar 56 tapers or is angled or intersects the longitudinal axis 38 is in a range between 90° and 45°. The second cylindrical extension 58 includes an inner surface 60 defining an outlet passageway 62 in fluid communication with an outlet opening 64 for the outlet 34. The passageway 62 is centered about the longitudinal axis 38. The outer diameter of the second cylindrical extension 58 is less than that of the first cylindrical extension 48. The inner diameter of the second cylindrical extension 58 is less than that of the first cylindrical extension 48. In one particular embodiment the diameters of the second cylindrical extension 58 are no more than half those of the first cylindrical extension 48. Stated otherwise, the ratio of the outer diameter of the second cylindrical extension relative to the outer diameter of the first cylindrical extension is at most about 0.5:1. However, clearly other dimensional and ratios are entirely possible.

[0039] The body 28 that defines the second inlet 32 further includes a cylindrical wall 66 that extends and is angled upwardly and towards the first side relative to a vertical axis 68. The cylindrical wall 66 includes a convex outer surface 70 opposite a concave inner surface 72 defining a passageway 74 in open communication with an opening 76 of the second inlet 32. The cylindrical wall 66 associated with the second inlet 32 is centered about an axis 78 that is non-orthogonally angled relative to the longitudinal axis 38 and the vertical axis 68. More particularly, the axis 78 associated with the second inlet 32 is non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 38 and is non-orthogonal to the vertical axis 68. In one particular embodiment, the angle defined between the longitudinal axis 38 and the axis 78 of the second inlet 32 is in the range from about 20° to about 80°. In one particular embodiment, the angle may be in a range from about 45° to about 70°. In one specific example, the angle defined between the axis 78 of the second inlet 32 is about 60°. An angle is formed between the axis 78 of the second inlet 32 and the central vertical axis 68 associated with the adapter 10. The angle in one particular embodiment between axis 78 and axis 68 is about 30°. However, it may be in a range from about 15° to about 75° depending on the orientation and desired size of a device, such as a nebulizer configured to be connected with the second inlet 32. As will be described below, the orientation of the second inlet 32 causes and external device, such as a nebulizer 108, that is connected with the second inlet to be canted or angled in a similar manner. Thus, a central axis associated with a portion of the nebulizer 108 would be oriented at an angle in a range from about 45° to about 70° relative to the longitudinal axis 38 and oriented at an angle in a range from about 15° to about 75° relative to the central vertical axis 68.

[0040] As depicted in FIG. 2, a plurality of holes 80 are formed in the cylindrical wall 40 of the body 28. The holes 80 extend at least partially circumferentially around the longitudinal axis 38 in the cylindrical wall 40. In one particular embodiment, the holes 80 are only formed in the portion of the wall 40 that effectuate fluid communication between the passageway 74 of the second inlet 32 with the interior of the body 28. Remarkably, the holes 80 do not affect the cylindrical body 28 from remaining substantially solid and non-hollow. The holes may form a geometric pattern, or they may be randomly positioned throughout the cylindrical wall 40 below the second inlet 32. In one particular embodiment, each one of the plurality of holes 80 is angled at a similar angle as the axis 78. Stated otherwise, as seen in FIG. 4, the center of the axis 78 remains uniformly centered along the length of each one of the holes 80 relative to the cylindrical wall 66 associated with the second inlet 32. Collectively, the plurality of holes 80 define a mesh or a screen that is configured to allow fluid movement therethrough extending fully through the cylindrical wall 40 from its outer surface 42 into its inner surface 44. The holes do not permit a volume of fluid to be retained and bound between the outer surface 42 and the inner surface 44.

[0041] As depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a lid 82 is connected adjacent the bottom of the cylindrical wall 40 of body 28 of adapter 10. The lid 82 includes a generally circular top wall 84 connected with an annular sidewall 86 that extends downwardly from its rigid connection with the circular top wall 84 down to a terminal end 88 defining an opening to a recess 90. Circular wall 84 is generally circular in shape when viewed from above, as best seen in FIG. 2 and includes a circular profile substantially extending in a full circle below a majority of the cylindrical wall 40 of the body 28. Circular wall 84 may include an upwardly facing top surface and an opposing downwardly facing bottom surface. Bottom surface of the circular wall may be substantially continuous and is only interrupted by the central edge that defines a portion of the drainage port 36. In one particular embodiment, the lid 82 is integrally formed with the body 28 such that it is part of the adapter 10. However, the lid 82 may also be a distinct component that is rigidly secured to the exterior surface of the body 28, particularly the cylindrical wall 40 near the bottom end thereof. In one particular embodiment the lid 82 is shaped in an inverted bottle cap configuration, similar to that of a conventional cap commonly found on a sports drink bottle (i.e., a 20 oz. Gatorade® bottle cap).

[0042] The diameter of the circular wall 84 is greater than the transverse width of the cylindrical wall 40. Stated otherwise, the diameter 92 of the lid 82 is greater than the diameter 94 measured across the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical wall 40 of the body 28. In one particular embodiment, the diameter of the lid 82 is at least two times greater than the diameter 94 of the cylindrical sidewall 40 on the body 28. In another particular embodiment, the diameter 92 of the lid 82 is at least three times greater than the diameter 94. The diameter 92 of the lid 82 is smaller than the length associated with the cylindrical sidewall 40. Stated otherwise, the lid 82 is positioned below the cylindrical sidewall 40 but terminates short of the tapered collar 46 and the tapered collar 56. Stated otherwise, the lid 82 is disposed between the tapered collar 46 and the tapered collar 56. Additionally, the lid 82 is positioned below the cylindrical wall 48 associated with the first inlet 30 and is positioned below the cylindrical extension 58 associated with the outlet 34. In one particular embodiment, the thickness of the annular sidewall 86 measured between the outer surface 96 and the inner surface 98 may be similar to or thinner than the thickness of the body 28 measured between the cylindrical wall 40, outer surface 42, and inner surface 44.

[0043] The annular sidewall 86 may include a convex vertically extending outer surface 96 and an opposing concave vertically extending inner surface 98 having threads 100 extending radially inward towards the vertical axis 68. The threads 100, as will be described in greater detail below are configured to threadably connect with the receptacle 14 to effectuate an air-tight seal between the receptacle and the body 28 to assemble the moisture trap assembly thereby fully 12. Threads 100 or other airtight connection are positioned on the inner circumference of annular sidewall 86 for engaging with the threads or other connection of the receptacle 14, which can be unscrewed and/or separated during draining and cleaning. A vertically aligned length of the annular sidewall 86 that is less than the diameter 92 of the annular sidewall. Further the vertically aligned length of the annular sidewall 86 is typically less than one inch in length.

[0044] As depicted in FIG. 4, the body 28 defines an internal mixing chamber 102 which is in fluid communication with the first inlet 30, the second inlet 32, the outlet 34, and the drainage port 36. The mixing chamber 102 is oriented substantially along the longitudinal axis 38. More particularly, the mixing chamber 102 has a center that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis 38. The mixing chamber 102 is defined by an internal diameter of the cylindrical wall 40 measured through the longitudinal axis 38 to the opposing side of the inner surface 44. The passageway 52 associated with the first inlet 30 is in open communication and expands in volume in accordance with the shape associated with tapered collar 46. Similarly, the mixing chamber 102 is in fluid communication with the passageway 62 associated with the outlet 34 and tapers downwardly to a narrower volume and a narrower internal diameter at an angle associated with the tapered collar 56.

[0045] With continued reference to FIG. 4, the mixing chamber is further defined and bound by a downwardly sloping wall 104 defining a portion of the inner surface 44 adjacent the bottom of the body 28. The sloping wall 104 is angled to effectuate fluid movement that condenses along the inner surface 44 of the mixing chamber 102 to flow towards the drainage port 36. Collectively, the sloping wall 104 and the drainage port 36 define a neck portion of the adapter that leads downwardly to the lid 82. In one particular embodiment, the sloped wall 104 extends in a curved manner downwardly towards the drainage port 36. The sloped wall 104 may begin at a height that is vertically below the longitudinal axis 38. However, other starting points of the sloped wall 104 are envisioned. Further, the sloping wall 104 may be substantially flat or planar in cross section, as opposed to the concave shape in cross section of the inner surface 44. Further, the sloped wall 104 may include other structural features that encourage or effectuate a faster flow of condensate. For example, the sloped wall 104 may be a plurality of sloped walls effectuating or defining a number of channels that guide and direct water or other fluid condensate through the drainage port 36. The drainage port 36 is centered along the vertical axis 68. Thus, centering the drainage port 36 along the central vertical axis 68 offsets the drainage port 36 at an angle relative to the second inlet 32 and the nebulized medicine entering the mixing chamber 102 through holes 80. The drainage port 36 provides open fluid communication between the mixing chamber 102 and the recess 90 defined by the lid 82. As will be described in greater detail below, the sloped wall 104 encourages fluid condensate to flow or trickle through the drainage port 36 and through the recess 90 into the receptacle 14 to be collected and later disposed.

[0046] In some instances, an additional seal, such as a gasket, can be included to cover a portion of the drainage port 36 when the receptacle is detached from the lid 82. By doing so, this enables the adapter 10 to operate in a conventional fashion similar to a traditional nebulizer adapter when the receptacle 14 is detached from its connection with the lid 82. In this regard, there may be an actuation member, such as a plunger, provided on the receptacle 14 to move the seal or gasket away from and open the drainage port 36 when the receptacle 14 is threadably attached to the lid 82 via threads 100.

[0047] FIG. 5 depicts an operational view in cross-section of the adapter 10 in conjunction with a breathing tube 106, a nebulizer 108, and an outlet tube 110. The tube 106, which may be a respiratory circuit cannula and/or mask or other gas delivery system, is inserted into or otherwise connected with the first inlet 30 to establish an open fluid communication between the tube 106 and the mixing chamber 102. Breathing gas, which may be warmed and humidified, is then fed from a source along tube 106 through the first inlet 30 and into the mixing chamber 102. The nebulizer 108 is releasably connected with the second inlet 32 and provides nebulized medicine to move through the passageway 74 and through the plurality of holes 80 into the mixing chamber 102. Notably, the second inlet 32 sized to connect with a wide range of nebulizers including but not limited to an Aeroneb nebulizer. The nebulized medicine produced in nebulizer 108 mixes with the breathing gas inside mixing chamber 102. During the mixing, it is possible for fluid condensate to collect along the inner surface 44 of the cylindrical wall 66 due to the fact that the breathing gas was warmed and humidified. The fluid condensate 112 is directed and guided by the sloping wall 104 towards the center drainage port 36. The fluid condensate 112 may drop, trickle, or otherwise flow and pass through the drainage port 36 and be collected in the receptacle 14 that has been threadably attached to the lid 82. In one particular embodiment, the receptacle 14 may have a diameter measured through its bottom wall that is greater than the diameter of the lid 82. However, it is entirely possible for the diameter of the receptacle 14 to be smaller than the diameter of the lid 82, and/or the receptacle may be in the form of a plastic bag, moisture pad, or other collection receptacle.

[0048] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, the adapter 10 enables fluids to be drained therefrom when the nebulized medicine is mixed with the breathing gas entering the mixing chamber through the lumen defined by the first inlet 30. Thus, the first inlet 30 is associated with only a single lumen (i.e., lumen or passageway 52) that fluidly receives breathing gas therethrough. The adapter of the present disclosure operates with and as a single lumen nebulizer system (i.e., not double lumen systems, such as the first inlet port having double lumens as taught by U.S. PG Pub. 2015/0352299, which may also be referred to as a first inlet double lumen adapter, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference).

[0049] In one particular operation of an embodiment, the nebulized medication produced in nebulizer 108 mixes the breathing gas flowing along tube 106, which may be heated and humidified, that is passed into the mixing chamber 102 through the first inlet 30. The mixed breathing gas and nebulized medication from the second inlet 32 is then flowed out of outlet 34. When the heated and humidified gas is introduced into mixing chamber 102 through the first inlet 30, condensation may occur due to cooling. The condensation is undesirable because condensate could limit the gas flow through the system, present a biologic hazard to the patient, or could potentially flow into a nasal cannula and enter a patient's nasal passage. Condensation is a particular concern for HFT because HFT devices supply breathing gas at a high flow rate. When the breathing gas is pre-heated and humidified for patient comfort, HFT provides a high flow of gas with a high relative humidity and a high temperature. The heating and humidifying of the breathing gas used in HFT is beneficial because high flow rates of dry breathing gas leads to patient discomfort (e.g., due to drying of nasal passages). When heated and humidified gas cools, some of the moisture carried in the breathing gas cannot remain soluble and condenses. With the high flow rate of HFT, there is a substantial amount of moisture in the breathing circuit that could potentially become condensate if the gas cools. Cooling of the heated and humidified gas can occur due to expansion of the gas as it enters the gas mixing chamber. Cooling can also occur due to heat loss to the ambient environment (e.g., radiative cooling at the plastic walls of the adapter) and/or from the vibration of the nebulizer inserted in the second inlet 108.

[0050] In one exemplary embodiment, there may be inlet and outlet tubes 106, 110 respectively connected to the adapter 10 (which may sometimes also be referred to as a flow connector unit) and may be about equivalent in size to Vapotherm input and output tube dimensions, for example inlet tube diameter of 16.002 mm, congruent with the input tube of the respiratory circuit and outlet tube diameter equivalent of the outer diameter of the cannula and/or mask or other gas delivery system, allowing accurate fitment. The outlet tube comprises of the exact diameter in order to prevent disconnection from the HFT including but not limited to Vapotherm and AirVO2 products.

[0051] In addition, the inlet and outlet tubes 106, 110 may be slightly tapered along their respective lengths to ensure a snug fit with the adapter 10 and/or cannula. The inlet and outlet tubes may be linearly shaped with no slanting from the top outer ends toward the center of the lid location with the connecting mesh defined by the plurality of holes 80 at the top opening that fits a wide range of nebulizers 108 including but not limited to the Aeroneb nebulizer.

[0052] In another exemplary embodiment, the receptacle 14 comprises a containing volume with a capacity to contain equal to or greater than the condensate calculated by the FDS, hospitals, and collected data. The receptacle may be shaped similar to a cup or a jar having complementary threads formed near the top thereof for effectuating the threaded and hermetic connection with the lid. However, the receptacle may vary in volume and can be secured to the flow connected unit via annular lid. The receptacle is fully secured and does not allow the leakage of gas, water, or medication to leak from within. The collection receptacle may also comprise an actuation member configured to move a seal or gasket that covers a portion of the drainage port 36. The receptacle 14 may additionally define a secondary drainage port at the bottom of the receptacle allowing the release of accumulated water or fluid condensate from the adapter 10. When ample amount of water or fluid condensate has been accumulated in the collection receptacle, the receptacle can be unscrewed, emptied, dried, and fitted again to the adapter 10. During detachment of the receptacle, the airtight seal or gasket covering the drainage port 36 comes to a closed position to secure the air or gas flowing through the flow connector thus preventing loss of air of respiratory gas. Once the collection receptacle is to be securely attached again, the airtight seal will be moved by the actuation member carried by the receptacle, thus allowing flow of accumulated water into the collection receptacle during attachment and securing the nebulizer adapter to maintain flow of medication and gas while the receptacle device is disconnected.

[0053] An embodiment, the nebulizer adapter 10 with moisture trap assembly 12 used with respiratory apparatuses or other airline circuitry is specifically designed to connect to the input tube of the Vapotherm respiratory circuit and the output tube of the cannula by providing congruent dimensions of the body of the nebulizer adapter, while being versatile to fit other HFT and respiratory care devices such as but not limited to the AirVO2.

[0054] The moisture trap assembly 12 may comprise the exact diameter of the outer cannula dimensions, thus preventing disconnection and leakage of water into the patient respiratory line or other equipment. Moreover, the lid 82 that creates the air tight seal which engages an actuator member when the condensate collection receptacle is removed, thus preventing the loss of gas and medication that is being supplied to the patient. These as well as other advantages of the assembly and modifications within the purview of the present disclosure will be evident to those skilled in the art.

[0055] The nebulizer adapter 10 with moisture trap assembly 12 attaches accurately and easily to the Vapotherm respiratory circuit, and may be attached to other respiratory apparatuses also, in order to reduce the accumulation of water or other fluids in the respiratory apparatus systems, thereby improving patient comfort and safety. The nebulizer adapter 10 with moisture trap provides a less compromised flow of gases, including oxygen, heliox, and precision flow, or other gas(es) by providing an avenue for condensate accumulation while also allowing the uninterrupted passage of gas(es) and medication to the patient.

[0056] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of the adapter 10 with a sensory system, and a temperature regulating system. The mixing chamber 102 comprises insulating material 202 that is located between the exterior and interior layer and machine components 201. FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the adapter 10 with a temperature regulating system 201. Power switch 203 allows the user to manually power the adapter on and off. A wired or wireless connection 204 is present to send and receive signals from the display screen. FIG. 8 depicts a possible layout of the machine components 204, wherein the sensors are arrayed inside and outside the adapter to measure various conditions including temperature and humidity, and the heating component is within the walls of the adapter as well. A computational device is able to communicate with the sensory system, temperature system, and adapter, as well as the display screen wirelessly. FIG. 10 illustrates through a flowchart the sequential steps of the method of determining statistical likelihoods of patient outcomes, and generating potential treatments automatically.

[0057] FIG. 9 depicts the side view of the attachable drainage system 205 coupled to the insulated mixing chamber. Attachable drainage system has release holes on each side 209. Spring system 207 connects both cylinders together. These cylinders form an airtight seal in which air can only enter the chamber through the opening at section 208, 209, and 210. Through mechanical force, the device is compressed causing spring system 207 to compress. Upon release from compression, the mechanical force of the spring will create negative pressure in the chamber forcing condensate into the cylinder.

[0058] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present disclosure will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above and/or in the attachments, and of the corresponding application(s), are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0059] Also, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

[0060] While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

[0061] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0062] The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims (if at all), should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one of a number or lists of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0063] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0064] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures.

[0065] An embodiment is an implementation or example of the present disclosure. Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the present disclosure. The various appearances “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments.

[0066] If this specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the elements. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional elements.

[0067] Additionally, any method of performing the present disclosure may occur in a sequence different than those described herein. Accordingly, no sequence of the method should be read as a limitation unless explicitly stated. It is recognizable that performing some of the steps of the method in a different order could achieve a similar result.

[0068] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

[0069] Moreover, the description and illustration of various embodiments of the disclosure are examples and the disclosure is not limited to the exact details shown or described.